Voting rights restoration, application requirement eliminated, Board of Pardons and Paroles to determine eligibility to receive Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote, indigent individual's voting rights to be restored if individual is in compliance with approved payment plan for payment of fines, court costs and fees, Secs. 15-22-36.1, 17-3-31 am'd.
Impact
The proposed legislation modifies existing sections of the Alabama Code by amending the requirements for voting rights restoration. Those who lost their voting rights due to felony convictions can have them restored without the cumbersome application process that previously existed. Furthermore, this bill allows economically disadvantaged individuals to participate in community service programs to offset their payments towards outstanding court costs and fees, making the restoration of their rights more accessible.
Summary
SB6 promotes the restoration of voting rights for individuals who have lost them due to felony convictions in Alabama. The bill eliminates the previous requirement of obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote, creating a more streamlined process for those seeking to regain their voting rights after serving their sentences. Notably, the legislation provides that individuals who have completed their sentences, probation, or parole, or who have been pardoned may now re-register to vote if they have met certain conditions related to compliance with fines and court fees.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB6 appears supportive, with discussions highlighting the importance of second chances and reintegration into society for formerly incarcerated individuals. Advocates for the bill argue that it removes barriers to voting, thus promoting civic engagement among those who have served their time. Critics, however, express concerns that such provisions could lead to rapid and uncontrolled restoration of rights, particularly for individuals with serious offenses. Nonetheless, the overall tone in legislative forums has indicated a positive response toward expanding voting access.
Contention
A point of contention lies in the offenses that still exclude individuals from regaining their voting rights—specifically, serious crimes, such as murder and sexual offenses, remain disqualifying. Opponents argue that this could create a two-tier system where some felons can regain their rights more easily than others, raising questions about fairness and equity in the application of voting rights. Additionally, the mechanisms for ensuring compliance with court fees and fines prior to restoration have sparked debate about the balance between financial responsibility and civil rights.
Voting rights, restoration, application requirement and Certificate of Eligibility eliminated; Board of Pardons and Paroles to restore voting rights for individuals who meet criteria for restoration of voting rights
Restoration of Voting Rights; notification to convicted individuals seeking restoration; Pardons and Paroles Board required to notify individuals and Secretary of State when voting rights restored
Restoration of Voting Rights; notification to convicted individuals seeking restoration; Pardons and Paroles Board required to notify individuals and Secretary of State when voting rights restored
Elections; Alabama Voting Rights Act Commission established to prevent discrimination in voting; duties and membership provided; Secretary of State required to establish database on election administration
Elections; Alabama Voting Rights Act Commission established to prevent discrimination in voting; duties and membership provided; Secretary of State required to establish database on election administration
Drug courts; name changed to "accountability courts," eligibility expanded to include veterans and individuals with mental illness, duties of Administrative Office of Courts further provided for
Drug courts; name changed to "accountability courts," eligibility expanded to include veterans and individuals with mental illness, duties of Administrative Office of Courts further provided for
Alabama Board of Registered Interior Designers, prohibitions on size and type of building they may work on removed, right to discipline non-registered individuals restored, exemptions provided
Pardons and Paroles, requirements for release on parole further provided for, apply for appellate relief when parole denied in certain circumstances, require medical parole hearing held within a certain time frame, allow an inmate released on medical furlough place of residence
Relating to voting rights; to amend Sections 15-22-36.1, 17-3-31, and 17-4-3, Code of Alabama 1975; to eliminate the application requirement and the Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote; to require the Board of Pardons and Paroles to determine whether an individual may have his or her right to vote restored if the individual has lost his or her right to vote by reason of conviction in a state or federal court and has been pardoned or released from incarceration or period of probation or parole; to allow an indigent individual to have his or her right to vote restored if he or she has paid all fines and restitution and is in compliance with an approved payment plan for the payment of court costs and fees or an approved community service plan to offset the payment of court costs and fees; to remove impeachment from the list of offenses that prohibit an individual from having his or her right to vote restored to make consistent with existing law; and to add Section 17-3-31.1 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to require notification to the individual that his or her right to vote has been restored.
Voting rights, restoration, application requirement and Certificate of Eligibility eliminated; Board of Pardons and Paroles to restore voting rights for individuals who meet criteria for restoration of voting rights
Relating to voting rights; to amend Sections 15-22-36.1, 17-3-31, and 17-4-3, Code of Alabama 1975; to eliminate the application requirement and the Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote; to require the Board of Pardons and Paroles to determine whether an individual may have his or her right to vote restored if the individual has lost his or her right to vote by reason of conviction in a state or federal court and has been pardoned or released from incarceration or period of probation or parole; to allow an indigent individual to have his or her right to vote restored if he or she has paid all fines and restitution and is in compliance with an approved payment plan for the payment of court costs and fees or an approved community service plan to offset the payment of court costs and fees; to remove impeachment from the list of offenses that prohibit an individual from having his or her right to vote restored to make consistent with existing law; and to add Section 17-3-31.1 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to require notification to the individual that his or her right to vote has been restored.
Relating to voting rights; to amend Sections 15-22-36.1, 17-3-31, and 17-4-3, Code of Alabama 1975; to eliminate the application requirement and the Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote; to require the Board of Pardons and Paroles to determine whether an individual may have his or her right to vote restored if the individual has lost his or her right to vote by reason of conviction in a state or federal court and has been pardoned or released from incarceration or period of probation or parole; to allow an indigent individual to have his or her right to vote restored if he or she has paid all fines and restitution and is in compliance with an approved payment plan for the payment of court costs and fees or an approved community service plan to offset the payment of court costs and fees; to remove impeachment from the list of offenses that prohibit an individual from having his or her right to vote restored to make consistent with existing law; and to add Section 17-3-31.1 to the Code of Alabama 1975, to require notification to the individual that his or her right to vote has been restored.
Voting rights restoration, application requirement eliminated, Board of Pardons and Paroles to determine eligibility to receive Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote, indigent individual's voting rights to be restored if individual is in compliance with approved payment plan for payment of fines, court costs and fees, Secs. 15-22-36.1, 17-3-31, 17-4-3 am'd.
Convicted felons; restrictions on obtaining occupational licenses by convicted felons revised; certificate of employability for convicted felons created; immunity to employers provided